WETechAlliance is excited to announce the addition of Alma Alao to their team as the Program Coordinator. Alma stepped into the entrepreneurial space last year, where she quickly gained a profound admiration for the startup ecosystem and the dedicated…
News from across the Regional Innovation Centres
We have gathered news from all the regional innovation centres (RICs) in Ontario. Be sure to connect with your local RIC to be a part of your local ecosystem.
Canadian Startup Reya Health Introduces App for Birth Control Matching
- 24 February 2025
- by Innovation Factory
Canada-based Reya Health has launched a birth control education and support app aimed at helping individuals with ovaries find suitable contraceptive options. The app, available from February 4, 2025, employs smart algorithms to match users with birth control methods through…
Two investors provide valuable insights into Canada’s position as a leader in cleantech, emphasizing the country’s unique strengths despite its small population and relatively modest investment levels. Canada boasts a remarkable track record in climate innovations, consistently producing prominent ventures…
Global Expansion: Transfer Pricing Strategies for Canadian Startups
- 22 February 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
Melinda Nguyen-Raybould shares her journey into the specialized field of transfer pricing, a niche within tax and economics that deals with the pricing of intercompany transactions among multinational corporations operating in different jurisdictions. With a background in economics, Melinda stumbled…
Assistive Technology: Trexo Robotics’ Cutting-Edge Wearable Solutions
- 21 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Trexo Robotics is revolutionizing mobility for children with disabilities through their innovative wearable technology. Their flagship product, the Trexo Plus, is a robotic exoskeleton designed specifically for kids. This device empowers children to stand and walk, providing them with mobility…
Fundraising Foundations and Strategies: Key Insights for Startup Founders
- 21 February 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
Scaling a startup necessitates the crucial decision of when and how to seek external funding, impacting the company’s relationships, operations, and long-term objectives. In a recent episode of Tech Uncensored, Mujir Muneeruddin, a partner at Palette Valo and an experienced…
TechAlliance Reveals Eight Finalists for the Polaris Pitch Competition and Showcase
- 20 February 2025
- by TechAlliance
TechAlliance is excited to announce the eight finalists for the inaugural Polaris Pitch Competition and Showcase, a pivotal event aimed at bolstering the innovation ecosystem in Southwestern Ontario. Scheduled for March 19, 2025, at the London Music Hall, this competition…
The Inspiring Vision Driving a Kitchener Entrepreneur’s Passionate Appeal
- 20 February 2025
- by Communitech
Ayoola Gbade-Bello experienced a deeply emotional moment while pitching his storytelling platform, Kintrace, at the Communitech Startup Bootcamp Showcase event on January 22, 2025. During his pitch, he shared a poignant story about recording his late father, Misbau Gbadegesin Bello,…
Life Sciences Ontario Honors Excellence and Innovation with 2025 Awards Announcement
- 19 February 2025
- by TechAlliance
Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) has announced the recipients of the 2025 LSO Awards, an event that honors excellence and innovation in the life sciences sector. Now in its 22nd year, the LSO Awards continue to recognize the outstanding contributions of…
Front Line Awarded 2025 Medical Device Company of the Year
- 19 February 2025
- by TechAlliance
On February 10, 2025, Catalytic Health announced the recipients of the second annual Canadian Healthcare Industry Awards (CHIAs), recognizing significant contributions to Canada’s life sciences sector. The awards highlight a broad range of categories, making them the most comprehensive in…
Emily Reid of AI4ALL: Leading the Charge for Inclusive AI Governance
- 19 February 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
The conversation surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has predominantly featured male voices, with women making up only 22% of AI professionals globally, according to a 2018 World Economic Forum report, while LinkedIn noted a mere 16% representation on its platform. Disparities…
iDream Interactive’s Bold Transformation: Transitioning from Client Projects to Innovative Realms
- 18 February 2025
- by WETechAlliance
For the past ten years, iDream Interactive, based in Windsor, has been quietly making significant contributions to the gaming industry, primarily focused on developing engaging games for renowned brands. Their expertise encompasses game design, mechanics, and player engagement. Now, the…
Launchit Solutions Finalizes Acquisition of 2Gen Digital
- 18 February 2025
- by Innovation Factory
On February 18, 2024, Launchit Solutions Inc. (LSI), a leading health technology studio focused on digital health innovation, announced its acquisition of 2Gen Digital, a well-established digital agency with more than 25 years of design and development experience. This strategic…
Harnessing Waste Heat to Address Our Expanding Energy Needs
- 18 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Professor Majid Bahrami from Simon Fraser University sheds light on the significant potential of harnessing waste heat, an energy source often overlooked in discussions about sustainable energy systems. With the increasing electrification of transportation, heating systems, and data centers, coupled…
ventureLAB Enhances AI Leadership with Appointment of Garry Chan as Head of AI Initiatives
- 18 February 2025
- by VentureLAB
ventureLAB, a prominent global founder community for hardware and enterprise software companies, has announced the appointment of Garry Chan as its new Head of AI Initiatives. Since joining ventureLAB in 2019, Chan has contributed significantly to the organization's mission to…
Solve for X – Season 3 Episode 6 | Fire Alarm Featuring John Vaillant
- 14 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
In a recent episode of Solve for X recorded at MaRS Climate Impact, author John Vaillant delves into the escalating crisis of wildfires exacerbated by climate change, which poses unprecedented challenges to wildlife, communities, and firefighting efforts globally. Vaillant asserts…
News: Spark Centre Partners with Audax Ventures to Support Early-Stage Tech Companies
- 14 February 2025
- by Spark Centre
Spark Centre is excited to announce a new partnership with Audax Ventures as of 2024, designed to enhance support for early-stage technology companies. Audax Ventures is a Venture Studio and software development firm known for its extensive expertise in guiding…
Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex Unveil the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force
- 13 February 2025
- by WETechAlliance
On February 13, 2025, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and Invest WindsorEssex announced the formation of the Windsor-Essex Economic Trade Task Force (ETTF), aimed at enhancing economic development and trade within the Windsor-Essex region. This initiative unites local businesses,…
Support Local: Choosing Canadian Technology
- 13 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in support for Canadian businesses, prompted by escalating trade tensions with the United States. With U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and aluminum set to take…
Alarm Bells: Rethinking Innovation in a Turbulent World
- 13 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
In 2016, Fort McMurray experienced a devastating wildfire that burned over 579,000 hectares, displaced 88,000 individuals, and caused approximately $10 billion in damages. While often viewed as an anomaly, such catastrophic wildfires are increasingly common and difficult to control due…
The Accelerator Centre (AC) has launched the UN Sustainable Development Cohorts of the AC:Studio program, providing crucial support to early-stage startups focused on sustainable technologies. This initiative follows the success of a pilot program, backed by a substantial $3.9 million…
Elevate Your Workforce: Diversio Enhances Employee Experience for Businesses
- 12 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
Diversio, a Toronto-based firm, focuses on creating a positive office culture emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Employees typically spend a significant part of their lives at work, so fostering an environment where they feel valued is crucial. Empirical data…
Innovation Factory’s HEALTHI Program Secures $7.5M in Collaborative Commercialization Funding
- 12 February 2025
- by Innovation Factory
The Hamilton life sciences ecosystem, led by Innovation Factory, offers a robust platform for entrepreneurs to launch and expand their businesses, particularly in the health sector. Through initiatives such as the HEALTHI (Hamilton Ecosystem to Accelerate and Leverage Trials of…
My First Experience: Insights from Blade Air’s Initial Fundraising Journey
- 11 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
The article "My First: What Blade Air learned from its initial fundraise" on MaRS Discovery District details the experiences and insights of Blade Air, a startup focused on enhancing air transportation. The piece highlights the lessons the company learned during…
Spark Centre Announces Leadership Change as Sherry Colbourne Resigns as CEO
- 11 February 2025
- by Spark Centre
Spark Centre Announces Leadership Transition: Sherry Colbourne Steps Down as CEO Spark Centre, based in Durham Region, Ontario, has announced that Sherry Colbourne will step down as President and CEO effective January 31, 2025. Colbourne has been at the helm…
Monerus Claims Top Prize of $20,000 in ScaleUP Cohort 8 Competition
- 10 February 2025
- by WETechAlliance
Monerus took home the $20,000 grand prize at WETechAlliance’s ScaleUP Showcase & Pitch Competition, marking a significant milestone for the eighth cohort of the ScaleUP Accelerator. This event showcased five high-growth companies from varied sectors, and it served as…
Over 10 Creative Ideas to Honor International Women’s Day 2025
- 10 February 2025
- by WETechAlliance
International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on March 8, is a day to honor the achievements of women worldwide in social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. It serves as an opportunity for reflection, advocacy, and support for gender equality. As…
In recent news, several innovative startups in Canada are making strides in various sectors, leveraging funding to expand their reach and improve their offerings. Vessl Prosthetics, co-founded by Sydney Robinson and Oleksiy Zaik, has garnered significant attention after securing an…
Canadian Startup Reya Health Introduces Birth Control Matching App
- 7 February 2025
- by TechAlliance
Reya Health, a Canadian company, has launched a new app focused on providing education and support for birth control, specifically tailored for individuals with ovaries. The app seeks to address the information gap surrounding contraceptive options by guiding users toward…
Black History Month: Discover What’s Planned in Guelph and the Waterloo Region!
- 7 February 2025
- by Boundless Accelerator
February is recognized as #BlackHistoryMonth, a dedicated time to honor the invaluable contributions and cultural heritage of Black Canadians and their communities. This month serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a moment for reflection on…
Exploring the Human Element in Startups: A 2024 Perspective with Glenn Nishimura
- 7 February 2025
- by Altitude Accelerator
In a recent conversation between Glenn Nishimura and Hessie Jones, the state of startups in 2023 and future outlook for 2025 were examined, especially regarding the implications for company culture and employee dynamics. Glenn, with a wealth of experience in…
InterVal Enhances Business Reports Feature with Customization Options
- 6 February 2025
- by TechAlliance
On February 6, 2025, interVal, a prominent software provider catering to wealth firms, accounting firms, and financial institutions, announced an upgrade to its “Business Reports” feature. This enhancement is specifically designed for advisors who serve small and medium-sized business (SMB)…
From Employee to Permanent Resident: 5 Strategies to Retain Global Talent in Canada
- 6 February 2025
- by Invest Ottawa
The content discusses various pathways to permanent residence (PR) in Canada for temporary foreign workers, particularly focusing on work permits and the processes involved. Temporary work permits, such as post-graduation work permits (PGWP), LMIA-based permits, and others, allow foreign nationals…
Alex Muggah, VP of Life Sciences at Innovation Factory and Director of the Synapse Consortium, Honored with 2025 LSO Community Impact Award
- 5 February 2025
- by Innovation Factory
On February 4, 2025, Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) announced that Alex Muggah, the Vice President of Life Sciences at Innovation Factory and Director of the Synapse Life Science Consortium, was awarded the 2025 LSO Community Impact Award. This award acknowledges…
TechAlliance, the innovation hub in Southwestern Ontario that promotes growth for startups and technology companies, has appointed Jennifer Matthews as its new Vice President. Matthews comes with a rich background that intersects arts, culture, and business operations, making her a…
Innovation Factory Appoints New Director of Strategic Partnerships and Growth
- 5 February 2025
- by Innovation Factory
On February 4, 2025, Innovation Factory announced the appointment of Stephanie Holko as the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Growth. This strategic hire exemplifies Innovation Factory's ongoing growth and reaffirmation of its commitment to building a vibrant innovation ecosystem in…
The MaRS Monthly News Roundup for February 2025 highlights key developments and initiatives at the MaRS Discovery District, underlining its commitment to fostering innovation and supporting startups in various sectors. Here’s a summary of the major points covered: Startup Highlights:…
A strong pitch is crucial for startups seeking to attract interest and secure funding from potential investors. According to Jody Yvonne, a communication specialist and founder of SAY Strategies, many startups falter due to common pitfalls in their presentations. One…
Essential Insights for Founders Regarding Proposed U.S. Tariffs
- 3 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
The recent pause on proposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods provides a vital window for the startup community, as the repercussions could include significant economic turmoil. Economists from RBC caution that these tariffs—the potential for a 25 percent levy on…
New Initiatives Set to Enhance Medical Support for Black Communities
- 3 February 2025
- by MaRS Discovery District
The interplay of trust and care significantly influences healthcare experiences, particularly for marginalized communities. This dynamic is exemplified in the case of six-year-old Moses, who was hospitalized at Toronto's SickKids for a vaso-occlusive crisis due to sickle cell disease, a…